Haggard Accuser Attends New Life Service
From KRDO.com
Mike Jones, the man responsible for Pastor Ted Haggard's resignation was the newest visitor at New Life Church Sunday morning. "I can't tell you how many people came up to me and shook my hand and welcomed me and said thank you," says Jones. In his exclusive talk with NEWSCHANNEL 13, Jones says he wanted to see the church that Haggard built. His visit was nearly three months after accusing Haggard of a gay relationship and drug use."I was well received I will say," Jones says. "They were very gracious to me."
"Certainly his face has become recognizable and his name has become something of a household name around these parts," says New Life Church Associate Pastor Rob Brendle.
Despite the scandal that resulted in Haggard's resignation, both Jones and Brendle say the visit was appreciated.
"Based on the comments made to me by the parishioners, they are grateful that what they classify as a deceiver is now gone," says Jones.
"Even though this has been a very difficult time for me and for our church, actually I'm grateful for (Jones) and for what he did," says Brendle. "Because even though we feel worse now, we are actually better."
Jones says the main reason for his visit was research for a book he plans to get published this summer. The working title for the book: I Had To Say Something.
"Yes, (readers) will see some explicit parts between me and Ted Haggard, but I also want people to see a human side of Ted Haggard," says Jones.
"It's his prerogative to write his story and his story intersected Ted's life," says Brendle. "How he chooses to represent that will be a matter of his conscious."
NEWSCHANNEL 13 called Haggard at his Colorado Springs home for response to the possible book deal, but the voicemail went unreturned.
Bill McCartney
